CFAs: German-Northern European Programme

The German-Northern European Programme provides journalists with an international fellowship opportunity to explore political, social, cultural, and economic connections between Germany, Nordic countries, and Baltic states. The programme supports cross-border journalistic exchange through travel, research, professional collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Eligible journalists aged 18 to 45 can receive a scholarship of €3,800 to support travel, accommodation, and living expenses while participating in the programme. Applicants must submit professional documents, work samples, and a motivation for country preferences before the deadline.

About the German-Northern European Programme

The German-Northern European Programme is a fellowship initiative designed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between Germany, the five Nordic countries, and the three Baltic states.

The programme creates opportunities for journalists to gain deeper knowledge of Northern European political systems, social developments, cultural perspectives, and international cooperation.

The participating countries include:

• Germany
• Denmark
• Finland
• Iceland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Lithuania

The fellowship encourages journalists to explore relationships between these regions, including political cooperation, economic connections, and cultural exchange.

Purpose of the Fellowship Programme

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen journalistic exchange between Germany and Northern Europe.
• Improve understanding of political and social developments in participating countries.
• Encourage reporting on German-Northern European-Baltic cooperation.
• Support international networking among journalists.
• Promote deeper public understanding of regional relationships.

The fellowship focuses on topics such as:

• Political systems.
• Social developments.
• Economic partnerships.
• Cultural connections.
• Regional cooperation.

Scholarship Benefits and Funding Support

Selected German scholarship recipients receive:

• One-time scholarship payment: €3,800.

The funding is intended to support:

• Travel expenses.
• Food costs.
• Accommodation expenses.

Additional details:

• Participants are expected to provide a personal contribution.
• The programme does not provide payment for work completed during the fellowship period.
• Participants are responsible for managing their own expenses within the scholarship amount.

Programme Activities and Requirements

During the fellowship, participants engage in professional exchange and journalistic activities related to Germany, Nordic countries, and Baltic states.

At the end of the programme, participants will:

• Attend a closing event in Berlin.
• Share experiences from their international work.
• Discuss future research opportunities and journalistic contributions.
• Submit journalistic work produced during the programme.
• Provide a minimum three-page report describing their experiences.

The submitted materials will be compiled into a final publication showcasing the outcomes of the fellowship.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to journalists who meet the following criteria:

• Age between 18 and 45 years.
• Working as a freelancer, trainee, or editor.
• Affiliated with German media outlets.
• Interested in international journalism and cross-border cooperation.

Language requirements:

• Knowledge of Nordic languages is not required.
• Applicants from Northern Europe do not need German language skills.
• Functional English ability is required.

Eligible Applicants’ Professional Background

Applicants may include:

• Freelance journalists.
• Journalism trainees.
• Newspaper, magazine, online, radio, or television editors.
• Media professionals working on political, cultural, economic, or social topics.

Candidates should demonstrate interest in reporting on international relations and regional cooperation.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application package containing:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • A tabular CV.
   • Include a passport photograph.
2. Journalistic Reference
   • A recommendation or reference from:
     • A department head.
     • Editor-in-chief.
     • Relevant media supervisor.
3. Work Samples
   • Submit a maximum of four examples of journalistic work.
4. Country and Media Preferences
   • Indicate preferred countries.
   • Specify preferred media organisations or fields of interest.
   • Clarify whether the application applies to all participating countries or only selected countries.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by:

15 November 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete application documents.
• Providing unclear country preferences.
• Including more than four work samples.
• Failing to demonstrate journalistic experience.
• Submitting weak or unrelated work examples.
• Ignoring the importance of international cooperation topics.

Tips for a stronger application:

• Select work samples that demonstrate strong reporting skills.
• Clearly explain interest in Germany and Northern European cooperation.
• Highlight previous international or cross-cultural reporting experience.
• Ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the German-Northern European Programme?
It is a journalism fellowship that supports dialogue and exchange between Germany, Nordic countries, and Baltic states.

Who can apply for the fellowship?
Journalists aged 18 to 45 who work as freelancers, trainees, or editors for German media outlets can apply.

How much financial support is provided?
Selected German scholarship recipients receive a one-time payment of €3,800 for travel, accommodation, and food expenses.

Are language skills required?
Applicants do not need Nordic language skills or German language skills from Northern Europe, but functional English is required.

What documents are required for application?
Applicants must provide a CV, journalistic reference, up to four work samples, and country/media preferences.

Is payment provided for journalistic work during the programme?
No. The scholarship supports expenses but does not provide compensation for work performed during the fellowship.

When is the application deadline?
Applications must be received by 15 November 2026.

Conclusion

The German-Northern European Programme offers journalists a valuable opportunity to strengthen international knowledge, build professional networks, and explore cooperation between Germany, Nordic countries, and Baltic states. Through research, reporting, and cultural exchange, the fellowship supports high-quality journalism and deeper understanding of regional political, social, and economic developments.